Education

M.S., Sport Management, University of Tennessee
B.B.A., Finance, Texas Christian University

Background

Matt Freed joined the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina as senior web manager in August 2022 and was promoted to director of communications and public relations in June 2024. He brought more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, communications, digital strategy and public relations to the college. Before joining HRSM, Freed spent more than 16 years with Gamecock athletics, most recently as assistant athletics director for digital technology services, overseeing GamecocksOnline.com, digital content and live video production.

Freed began his career in collegiate athletics communications and spent more than a decade as a primary media relations contact for several Gamecock teams, including volleyball, track and field and women’s tennis. Before coming to South Carolina in 2006, he worked in athletics media relations at Texas Christian University, where his responsibilities included women’s basketball and tennis. His professional experience also includes 10 years as an adjunct faculty member with American Public University System, where he taught online learning and sport management courses, as well as a stint as director of strategic communications for the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.

Freed earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in mathematics from Texas Christian University in 2002 and a Master of Science in sport management from the University of Tennessee in 2003. He gained additional experience in athletics communications, marketing and football operations while attending both universities. Outside of work, Freed enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Austin and Virginia, as well as tackling home improvement projects in his continuing quest to become the ultimate DIYer.

Honors / Awards

• CoSIDA Women’s Tennis Media Guide Best in the Nation (2007, 2008)
• CoSIDA Women’s Tennis Media Guide Second Best in the Nation (2003)
• CoSIDA Track & Field Media Guide Third Best in the Nation (2007)
• CoSIDA Women’s Volleyball Media Guide Sixth Best in the Nation (2003)
• CoSIDA Women’s Tennis Media Guide Second Best in the District (2006)
• CoSIDA Women’s Volleyball Media Guide Second Best in the District (2007)
• University of South Carolina Athletics Teammate of the Month (December 2013)

Professional Certifications

• USC L.E.A.D. 1 Supervisory Essentials (2017)
• USC L.E.A.D. 2 Effective Management Program (2018)